Banks and credit unions cash personal checks for their own customers

If you have an account at a bank or credit union, that institution will cash your personal checks for free. You walk in with the check, show your ID, and they hand you cash or deposit it to your account. Most banks and credit unions do this same-day, though some may hold the funds for a day or two depending on the check amount and where it was drawn from.

If you don't have an account there, most banks will still cash a check drawn on their own bank — meaning if the check is from someone's account at Chase, Chase will cash it even if you're not a customer. You'll need a government-issued ID. Some banks charge a fee for this service, usually $5 to $10 for non-customers, though policies vary by institution.

Key Takeaways

  • Your own bank or credit union cashes personal checks free if you're a member, usually the same day.
  • Most banks will cash checks drawn on their own bank even for non-customers, though they may charge a fee.
  • Check-cashing stores and grocery stores offer faster service but charge higher fees, typically 1 to 3 percent of the check amount.
  • Walmart, Target, and other retailers cash checks at customer service desks for a flat fee, usually $3 to $6.
  • The issuing bank — the bank printed on the check — is your cheapest option if you don't have your own account.

Check-cashing stores charge a percentage of the check amount

A dedicated check-cashing store will cash almost any personal check, but they charge a fee based on the check amount. That fee is typically 1 to 3 percent of what the check is worth. On a $500 check, that's $5 to $15. On a $1,000 check, it's $10 to $30. The exact percentage depends on the store and the type of check.

Check-cashing stores are fastest if you need cash immediately — most will cash you within minutes. They're also more likely to cash checks from people without a local bank account or from out-of-state banks. The trade-off is the fee. If you're cashing a small check, the percentage fee can eat up a meaningful portion of what you receive.

Grocery stores and retailers cash checks at customer service

Many grocery stores, Walmart, Target, and similar retailers have customer service desks that cash personal checks. The fee is usually a flat amount — $3 to $6 per check — rather than a percentage. This makes them cheaper than check-cashing stores if the check is large, but more expensive if the check is small.

Retailers typically cash checks during their regular business hours, which are often longer than a bank's. They may have limits on the check amount — some won't cash checks over $1,000 or $2,000. You'll need a government-issued ID and usually a store loyalty card or phone number on file. Call ahead to confirm the store's current policy, since these services change.

The issuing bank is free but only for account holders

The bank whose name is printed on the check — the issuing bank — will cash that check for free if you have an account there. This is your cheapest option. If you don't have an account at that bank, they may still cash it, but many now charge non-customers a fee of $5 to $10.

Some banks have made this harder by requiring you to go to a branch in the state where the account was opened, or by refusing to cash checks for non-customers altogether. Before you make a trip, call the bank's customer service number (on the back of the check or online) and ask whether they'll cash it for you and what ID you'll need.

Online banks and mobile payment apps don't cash checks in person

If your check is from an online-only bank like Ally or Charles Schwab, you can't walk into a branch and cash it because those banks have no physical locations. Your options are to deposit it through their mobile app (if they offer mobile check deposit), mail it to the bank, or take it to a check-cashing store or retailer.

Some online banks partner with ATM networks or retail locations, but this varies. Check your bank's website or app to see what options are available. If the check is drawn on an online bank and you need cash today, a check-cashing store or retailer is your fastest route.

What you need to bring and what can go wrong

Bring a government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Some places also ask for a second form of ID or proof of address. The check must be signed by the person who wrote it, and it must not be post-dated (dated in the future). If the check is made out to two people, both may need to sign it and be present, depending on the policy.

If the check is damaged, torn, or the amount is unclear, most places will refuse to cash it. If the check bounces after you've received the cash, you're responsible for returning the money — the cashing location will come after you for it. This is why they ask for ID: they want to be able to find you if the check is bad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash a check made out to someone else?

Generally no. A check made out to another person is not yours to cash, even if they give you permission. Some banks will allow a third-party endorsement if the original payee signs the back and you both present ID, but many banks have stopped this practice. Your safest bet is to ask the person who received the check to cash it themselves or deposit it to their account and send you the money.

What if the check amount doesn't match the written-out amount?

Most places will refuse to cash it. The written-out amount (the words) is legally what the check is worth, so if it says "Five Hundred Dollars" but the number box says "$600", there's a discrepancy. Ask the person who wrote the check to issue a new one or contact the bank that issued it.

How long does a personal check take to clear?

If you deposit it at your bank, it typically clears within one to three business days, though the bank may make the funds available sooner. If you cash it in person at a store or check-cashing location, you get the money immediately, but the check still clears on the issuing bank's timeline. If it bounces, you're responsible for the amount.

Do I need an account to cash a check at my bank?

If the check is drawn on that bank, many will cash it for account holders free and for non-customers for a fee. If the check is drawn on a different bank, most banks will only cash it if you're an account holder. Call your bank to ask about their specific policy.

What's the difference between cashing and depositing a check?

Cashing means you get cash in hand immediately. Depositing means the money goes into your bank account and may take a few days to clear. Cashing is faster but you pay a fee at most places. Depositing is free if you have an account but takes longer.